I know from experience what it’s like when your old dog won’t eat, and you’re willing to do and try anything!
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How Long Can a Dog Go Without Eating?
Your dog can go a few days without eating, but in an old dog that may already have health issues, the sooner he’s back to eating the better.
I would not wait more than 24 hours before calling the vet, and that is from my experience.
A very big concern is whether or not your dog has stopped drinking as well. Dehydration can set in very quickly in an old dog, particularly if he isn’t well, and he could die.
I’m sorry to be so blunt, but it’s important you realize how serious it can be, so if your dog is not drinking call your vet right now.
Why is My Old Dog Not Eating His Food Anymore?
Before you start to panic, take a moment to look around and think about some possible reasons your old dog may start refusing to eat it’s food.
Below are some reasons to consider.
Environmental Causes for an Old Dog Not Eating
There are 11 main environmental causes that could influence whether your old dog is eating or not.
- Have there been any changes in his environment, for example have you moved?
- Any new people living in the house?
- Has your dog been stressed lately – thunderstorms, fireworks, construction…
- Not liking his new food, or it’s upsetting his stomach
- Changes in recent behavior
- Grieving the loss of an animal companion
- Change in schedule
- A new bowl (that’s right, that can be an issue for some)
- Bored with the same dry kibble day after day and year after year
- Food is too hot/too cold
- Eating in a different room
Medical Reasons an Old Dog May Stop Eating
I lump “medical reasons” into one possible cause – #12 – that your old dog won’t eat but, in reality, there may be meany medical reasons for your dog’s lack of appetite.
These include:
- Dementia
- Cushing’s
- Pancreatitis
- Liver issues>
- Kidney issues
- Cancer
- Dental problems
- Dulling of senses as a natural part of the aging process
- Mobility issues that make it difficult to reach the bowl
- Infection
- Anxiety
- Reaction to a medication or vaccination
- Nausea (from eating too much, something off the street or some of the conditions listed above)
Taking Your Dog to the Veterinarian Because They Aren’t Eating
If you’re sure nothing in your environment can be the cause of your dog’s lack of interest in food, your next step must be to call the vet and make an appointment as soon as possible to rule out any of the medical causes listed above.
If it’s been more than a day since your dog last ate, I would give the person answering the phone those details, and see if they can find you an appointment that day or the next.
We’re so worried about our dog the vet appointment can be nerve wracking, so I encourage you to make a list of your concerns in advance and bring it with you.
It not only ensures you don’t forget to mention something, your appointment will be more productive and it will help your vet with a diagnosis.
Helpful information to provide your veterinarian
Below are some questions your veterinarian may ask you during your visit.
Make a note of the answers to them before your vet visit so you don’t have to take up valuable time during your dog’s appointment trying to remember.
- How long has it been since your dog has eaten?
- How many times a day does he eat?
- Is your dog eating something or nothing at all?
- Is it just food that’s an issue or is he drinking more or less as well?
- Is there a certain time of day he will eat?
- Have you changed his food?
- Has he been throwing up? Having diarrhea?
- Is it just his dog food he won’t eat or he’s lost interest in everything?
- Will he still eat treats?
- Are there any other behaviors you’re concerned about?
What to expect during your appointment
Your vet will ask you what’s been going on, and this is where the list will come in handy.
Once you have finished your chat he will examine your dog and may even take his temperature. In your situation, and I have been there many times, I would expect blood and urine tests to be done as well.
Some tests can be done in house and produce results in just a few minutes. Samples typically have to be sent away for further analysis, but at least you can get an idea of what’s going on, and treatment can begin immediately.
Your vet may recommend an appetite stimulant to encourage your dog to eat. He may also give him an injection for pain or nausea if he feels these are issues.
Be sure to ask if there are any foods your dog should avoid.
Please do not let your vet dismiss your concerns with a diagnosis of “your dog is old” because that is a cop out not a diagnosis.
If he doesn’t feel the need for testing I would find another vet, because in my experience if you’re concerned, there is a reason to be concerned.
Diagnosis and what comes next
Only once all the test results are in and there is a diagnosis can you have a conversation with your vet about treatment options.
I also think it’s a good idea to do a bit of research on your own and see what else is out there, particularly if you’re interested in adding some natural treatments.
If you have found other possibilities that interest you, speak to your vet before giving anything to your dog.
Appetite stimulants are often prescribed to help get your dog eating again.
Learn more about them in this article Should You Give Your Old Dog an Appetite Stimulant
My Experience with an Old Dog Who Refuses to Eat
My senior dog Red
Red, the love of my life, sadly got her wings on May 18 2018. She was around 8 when we adopted her, so we think she was around 17 when we said goodbye.
Eating was never been a problem for her when she was younger. As a matter of fact, she was obese when we brought her home.
I always likened her to a vacuum cleaner, inhaling anything in her path.
However, something changed later in life.It was a struggle getting her to eat the last few months of her life.
Her kidney issues and chronic pancreatitis caused her to feel nauseous at times. Her dementia made her confused and I believe the years of medications affected her stomach.
There were so many foods I had to avoid, we would get down to fewer and fewer options to try. As we approached what turned out to be the end of her life, I fed her anything just to get her to eat.
Foods my senior dog would eat
Like I said, we had to try a lot of different foods with Red to see what food she would accept.
Although, at this point I was really just trying to get her to eat anything, I tried to stick with healthy “people food”.
Below is my list of Red friendly food. If you haven’t tried these yet, you may want to.
- Small amounts of boiled chicken breast
- Boiled broccoli
- Boiled squash
- Whole grain rice
- Quinoa
- Raw or cooked carrot
- Raw apple
- Cooked green beans
- Cod
- Skyr
- Low fat cottage cheese
Helpful tip: Pour the water from the chicken into ice cube trays, freeze and defrost individually to pour over your dog’s food.
Tricks I tried to get my old dog to eat
Besides trying different foods, I tried a few tricks – what might be considered environmental changes – to entice Red to eat.
I elevated her water bowl (I put it on an upside down casserole dish, and since I don’t like cooking it was put to much better use this way!)
I held her food bowl up to her mouth, which helped when her dementia got worse. When that didn’t work I hand fed her.
Since the flavor and smell is enhanced when a food is warmed, which can make a food seem more appealing to a dog, I tried microwaving it first.
She ate a wet kidney prescription food, which I cut it into pieces and baked. She loved it so much I used them for treats and as part of her meal.
The last couple of weeks of her life my tricks no longer worked.
A blood test revealed extremely high urea levels which meant her kidneys had failed. That was when I knew it was time to say goodbye.
Creativity is Key to Getting and Old Dog to Eat
Getting your senior dog to eat is a combination of finding the right conditions (environmental factors), finding the right foods, and getting help from your veterinarian if needed.
You just read some of what worked for my dog Red. Give them a try because they might help get your old dog eating again too.
Here are some other ideas you can try:
- Vary the foods you try so he doesn’t know what to expect.
- Put all or part of his meal in a Kong or other treat dispensing toy to provide often exciting mental stimulation
- If he eats dry food add some water and microwave it to make a gravy
- Add at least one extra meal to his day to increase the chance/amount he’ll eat
- Are there certain times of day he’s more interested? Change meal times to match
- Exercise stimulates appetite so maybe go for a walk, a swim or something similar before meal time
- Put dog food on a human plate – yes it has been known to help
- Put the food directly on the floor
- Feed your dog in the park or backyard – a change of scenery may help
- CBD oil for dogs may help stimulate your dog’s appetite, depending on the cause of your dog’s anorexia
If you usually put medication in his food, try giving it separately and see if that makes a difference.
It may be changing the taste of the food, and while it didn’t bother your dog in the past, if they’re finicky now, that could be all it takes.
Your dog’s pills can go in something like cream cheese, spray cheese, or meat and be fed separately from meals.
Other foods to try
Some of these foods I have tried with Red, most are what have worked for many of our Facebook followers.
They were added to their dog’s existing diet, or given on their own if that was the only way they would eat.
Please check with your vet to make sure the ones you’re considering are safe for your dog.
- Baby food
- Bone broth – very nutritious and super easy to make
- Grated cheese on top
- Tiny pieces of pizza crust added to dog food
- Scrambled eggs (no oil) with or without cheese
- Cooked oatmeal
- Diced ham and rice warmed in microwave
- Peanut butter
- Dr Becker’s Bites Appetite Flakes
- Roll of dog food (like a salami roll) you can slice up the daily amount and feed it throughout the day
- Tuna packed in water
- Meat scraps
- Pumpkin or sweet potatoes mixed in with food
- Sardines
- Mackerel
- Cottage cheese
- Rotisserie chicken
- Chicken soup
- Steak
- Tinned cat food
- Homemade chicken and rice
- Baked potato with butter
- Low salt ready made broth
- Blend dry food until it’s almost dust and mix with canned food
- Freeze dried meal toppers
- Puree cooked vegetables and put a couple of tablespoons on food daily
- Unflavoured yogurt
- Cooked broccoli
- Add mashed up sweet potatoes, pumpkin and broccoli
- Boiled chicken tenderloins cut up, add noodles, water or bone broth, add a bit of dry dog food, cooked peas and carrots, mix well serve warm and moist. You could try lean ground beef.
- Organic ground turkey mixed with turmeric golden paste, cooked vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower and carrots) and blend.
- Ground turkey burgers
- Canned pumpkin
Obviously there are so many more options, but I think this is a good start.
Don’t Lose Hope if Your Dog is Not Eating
If your senior dog stops eating, it can be a real challenge to find out why and get them eating again.
My hope is that you have found this advice helpful, and some of the options listed will have your dog eating better.
There are so many emotions when it comes to trying to get an old dog to eat, stress, anxiety, fear, worry…yes I have felt them all.
Don’t lose hope though. The chances are, using of the tips, tricks, and techniques above, you will be able to get your dog eating again.
Have you figured out the reason for your dog’s lack of interest in eating? What foods or tricks did you try that worked? Sharing helps others so please leave your comment below.
What To Do If Your Old Dog Has Bad Breath
All good advice. Fortunately, my old guy (about 13) is a picky eater but still eats. Cheese solves everything. However, pancreatitis is a concern so I am watching fat content carefully. Freeze dried toppers are often high in fat. I’m looking for 10% or less fat content.
Cheese does solve everything in this house as well, and I know what you mean about fat content and pancreatitis. Red had the same issues. I found cod was a good one to hide pills in, and my vet was okay with me giving her low fat (although I bought no fat) cottage cheese. When I was really desperate I would get low fat hard cheese and give her the tiniest piece I could. She loved when I baked her canned kidney food so it was easy to slip a pill in there as well.
my boston terrier duchess is 10 going on 11 this yr and lost her house mate although they were not friends she had changes like not eating long story short after buying alot food that she would not eat she loves pedigree chicken ground hearty packs now she eats 2 or 3 depends on the day and i brush her few teeth daily with dog baking soda tooth paste she also still plays ball for 5 min daily we are just glad she has found something she likes she weighs 12 pounds.We also rescued a teddy bear dog that she plays with and he is kind to her
I clearly remember what it was like trying to get my senior dog to eat – I was desperate and tried a variety of foods. Eventually, just like you said, it gets to the point of you just need to get them to eat. I made her food, and found warming it helped and encouraged her to eat.
Warming does help a lot, and I find it oddly comforting knowing there are so many going through the same challenges and sharing tips to help.
Thanks for this. My dog is almost 12 – and technically a senior – and recently she’s not been finishing her food bowl in the morning. I’m not sure exactly why – is she just getting distracted, or is there something more? She has no problems when she does eat, and she enjoys her treat when I have her go into her cage in the morning. She still begs for food when I eat. Right now, I’m keeping a close eye on her and will be weighing her soon to see if there’s been any significant loss in weight. She doesn’t look any skinnier, though.
Perhaps you would like to join my FB group Senior Dog Care Club. It’s a wonderful supportive community, and lots of great help and advice.
Have 16 yr. senior toy poodle 10 half pounds and started not wanting to eat.
My dog is twenty five an he has stopped eating he’s starting to Hollar every now and then so I been pouring water down neck an making him eat little apple sauce now giving him few cheese crackers an some broth when I put it in mouth he wants eat I’m trying to get better so want die on me I would surely hate loose him what do you think should do long I’m around him when hollars an feels me he stops I love so muvh he’s all got left if he eats do think make live
Fantastic post as Layla the past couple of days does not want to eat her food BUT she is eating the treats from all her uncles in the dog park and eating boiled chicken when I give it to her. So made up a bowl of boiled chicken with supplements last night to see if she would eat that and sprinkled on top of it the crumbs from her treats which she loves. I also raised her bowl to see if that would make a difference. She is drinking and I am monitoring her at this moment. Am going to be taking dog food to the park instead of treats now to see what happens, especially when we are sitting there for a couple of hours
I hope Layla is feeling okay, great to hear she’s loving her chicken. I used to raise Red’s water and food bowls and I found it made it more comfortable for her. That’s a great idea to take her food to the park rather than treats, let me know how that works. A chance of scenery may be the answer.
Great post! My oldest boy will be 10 in December but luckily getting him to eat has never been an issue for us. Quite the opposite, he likes to eat a little too much so we had to put him on a diet. I’ve always jokingly said that the only thing that’s ever going to stop him from eating is going to be death. He’s such a foodie!
It’s so much easier when they love their food, the worst is when they stop eating and lose weight and they’ve lost interest. Glad to hear your pup is loving his food.
These are great suggestions! When my sister’s dog stopped eating, I heated up a freshly made dog food (NomNomNow) and she would eat that along with her favorite brand of dog treats. Eventually, the vet removed her spleen and she made a good recovery.
Warming up food is a great way to entice a dog to eat.
I’ve had good success with an old old cat making a gruel he could drink out of kitten formula or goat’s milk and honest kitchen cat food and baby food, and serving in an elevated saucer.
To get past picky I’ve found the warming up to work, sprinkling with parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast or crushed temptations treats (or another favorite but in my experience those are like kitty crack.)
Great tips thanks for sharing. It’s funny you say Temptations are like kitty crack. My cats were never big on treats, more accurately they had no interest until we got a sample of Temptations and they loved them!
I have one dog who is approaching or I guess technically in his senior years (turning 9 next month)-this is good info to have even though for now he’s a really good eater. Thanks for all of the great info.
It’s always good to have resources available, ready when you need them.
It’s horrible when your pet won’t eat. I watched my friend go through that experience with three of her senior cats and it was heart wrenching. These are great tips. And Hindy is right… Temptations are like kitty crack!
It really is tough when they won’t eat, and they really need their medication.
Food things can get pretty complicated when it comes to older dogs or dogs who are plagued with ailments. Jasmine gave us quite a challenge getting her to eat as well. First because of her IBD, later on, because of liver issues. In the end, she was unable to eat at all.
It gets even harder when the things a dog would likely enjoy are forbidden because of underlying health issues. Finding a way of making it smell strongly and attractive often helps.
It can be quite complicated, and it’s true how much harder it is when the foods they loved are on the NO list. I used to microwave Red’s food and it helped at times.
Again, a great post, Hindy. Wonderful sharing of tips. I have one Husky who is not a big eater and always causes me concern, especially since he is 10.5. He has always been this way due to anxiety issues that cause GI upset, but I have him on a regimen to help ease it and encourage him to eat – I started him on CBD treats an hour to hour and a half before he eats, he is also on Pepcid. I make boiled beef and chicken and turkey, salmon, I add pumpkin, baked sweet potatoes, coconut oil, Omega-3 oil, organic blueberries, salt-free cottage cheese, organic cream cheese, organic creamy peanut or almond butter, and fat-free Greek yogurt. If he is really on a food strike, I will sneak in tiny bits of gluten-free pizza crust sprinkled on top and also crushed treats and shredded cheese. My goal is to at least get him to eat! My other Husky, she will eat anything and everything that is not nailed down! So if she does not eat, I know something is up!
Thanks again Dorothy. Sounds like you have a great schedule, and the CBD treat idea is a great one. I agree, sometimes it’s more important that they eat than what they eat. Red was like your Husky who would eat anything, I always referred to her as a vacuum cleaner. Like you, when she didn’t eat I knew there was a problem.
I’m SOOOO happy one of your 1st recommendations was having your dog examined by a vet. Anorexia AKA inappetence or not eating) is a clinical sign of so many health issues. It’s so important to get a proper diagnosis so you know how to proceed!
Thanks for writing this!
Thanks Bernard!! I’m always banging on about people going to see a vet first thing whenever there is a change in behaviour, particularly in a senior dog. Without knowing what’s wrong with your dog, how could you possibly know the best course of action to take!
Isabelle and Cookie kept eating until they passed at 13.5 and 17.5 although Isabelle became quite picky and ate less more often and more wet food. Nala the cat was so healthy but then got kidney disease at 19 and I had to get a special diet and hand feed her regularly as she lost interest in most foods. She loved chicken and tuna so I made the same decision – let her enjoy her last 6 months where possible and let her have pieces from my fingers.
At some point it’s more important that our animals eat something, rather than worrying if it’s the “right” thing. I know I was faced with that decision and I chose to make sure Red ate, even though I knew it wouldn’t be the best thing for her. She had lost weight and that wasn’t a good situation either.
Great advice. When Keria was so ill I brought to the hospital a hamburger (or two) and she ate that. Thank God. She was refusing everything else. Sometime you gotta do what you gotta do!
Glad you found something that worked, I know how stressful it can be when they refuse everything you try. I agree, sometimes you have to give them food you wouldn’t ordinarily try just to get them to eat something.
Hi Hindy. Just joined your FB group just now. Hope to be included soon to get some tips and guidance. I have a 12 y/o shih tzu who has started being so finicky and would eat sparingly every day-if he even eats at all. We’ve been to the vet for a different issue-his liver enzyme count has been high lately and so he’s on a holistic treatment to bring it down and so far so good. His liver count came down. However he’s still not that interested in food. he’s been on raw food for years and have had no problem but lately all the treats and main food he used to love are not a big hit for him. So I had to change the whole diet and what he eats one minute, he’ll turn his nose away from it the next. So frustrating. Sometimes even heating it up doesn’t work. So it’s definitely a challenge and a hit and miss for the both of us everyday. I’m encouraged from reading stories here, that I can give him food that may not be that healthy just to get him to eat. I will definitely keep that in mind.
Very common for old dogs to get finicky. Their senses may become dulled, be nauseous from kidney issues for example or even because of the onset of dementia. There is an article on this site about getting an old dog to eat, plus it’s a very common topic in the group. Hope you get the support and information you’re looking for there.
hi. I know this post is old but I have the same dog with exactly the same problem! I’ve done all the suggestions re warming, treats, etc etc and am curious to know if there was any one thing that you did which was helpful. Any suggestions would be appreciated
My Dachshund has hypercalcemia. He is 15 and a half and not a good candidate for surgery. He is taking so much medication to help his appetite but nothing is working. I’m so frustrated and feel like I am just watching him lose weight and watching him die. I have tried every suggestion listed on these comments but it’s been two days since he ate. Devastated!
I’m so sorry to hear this Chris. Unfortunately, as you may be discovering, there can become a point in our pet’s life where no amount or type of effort will help. I hope you were able to find something that works or get some helpful advice from your veterinarian.
Thank you for this article. My 15 year old dog has gone from just being picky, to now only eating a few bites a day. She has valve disease and takes meds, plus some dementia seems to be setting in. It’s nice to know someone else has been through this before and it’s ok to feel the way I’m feeling. We have a vet appt tomorrow, so I’m anxious to see if anything new is going on or or if this is just part of the process. Thank you
Hi Sherry, I don’t know if your dog is on any medication for dementia, but I highly recommend you speak to your vet about Anipryl which is available in the States and Canada. There is an article on my website you should have a look at before your appointment, so you can discuss some of the options there. Is it possible he’s not eating because he’s nauseous? That could be because of pancreatitis, kidney or liver issues. Hopefully things go well tomorrow, but keep me posted. https://caringforaseniordog.com/dementia-in-older-dogs-a-holistic-approach-to-treatment
Thanks so much for this info. I read your article and will do some additional reading before our appt tomorrow. After reading more about dementia in dogs, I think we may be dealing with it. Butters has always been fairly anxious, but now sometimes she trembles for seemingly no reason, goes to the wrong door, forgets we’re in the back part of the house and will bark when we come to the front, etc. She currently takes pimobendan, benazepril, furosemide, galliprant, and DES. In addition to tomorrow’s regular appt, we also have her 6 month cardiology follow up appt next week. I feel like I’ll need my own dr appt soon to help with nerves. So hard to watch my girl go through these changes, but also know the cycle Of life happens and I just want her to be happy and comfortable for as long as possible. Again, thank you
It can be very stressful caring for an old dog who isn’t well, believe me I’ve been there. It’s so important to take time for yourself, even if it means a walk around the block. Check out my article on the front page about natural dementia treatments, and of course find out about the prescription medication Anipryl. There are lots of options to help with anxiety.
Thank you for the tips. I have an old girl who just turned 13 and doesn’t always want to eat. She’s never been a “foodie” and wouldn’t always eat her breakfast. But as she’s gotten older she has become much pickier, even turning her nose up at peanut butter. I found that if I put potted meat (like Spam) and water it down a bit to stir into her food she’ll eat most of the time.
I’m glad you found something that works. They can become so finicky it’s a constant battle to find something they’ll eat. Is it possible she’s a bit nauseous? I did find warming the food up a bit in the microwave made a big difference, as did baking her canned food and using them as treats.
Thank you! My old guy has been eating less and less and I just go on brain freeze because I worry! I read this after him not eating this am and jumped up and made him scrambled eggs! He scarfed them down! We were both happy 🙂 Now, on to the next step but at least I know he’ll eat and you gave me so many ideas. THANK YOU ????❤️
Hi Bridget, Thanks for writing in and I’m very happy your pup loved the eggs!! Believe me I know how scary and frustrating it is when our old dogs don’t eat. Red was like a vacuum cleaner, and if she ever turned her nose up at food I panicked.
Do you know why your dog has become less interested? Has he been to the vet lately for a check up? Is he nauseous perhaps?
Thanks for the scrambled egg suggestion. Izzy is 13 1/2, and just diagnosed with dementia. Aside from his longterm epilepsy and hip arthritis, he is otherwise healthy. He stopped eating 2 weeks ago and has been on an appetite stimulant and Anypril. He was also given an anti-nausea shot. Still eating very little. What he will eat one day, he turns his nose up to the next day. We have tried chicken, turkey, rice, assorted veggies, apples, peanut butter and cheese. All things he used to love. This morning he gobbled up 2 eggs. I just wonder about tomorrow.
Do dogs sense the end is near and just give up?
Hi Robin. I definitely believe dogs can sense when their end is near. However, I am not sure I would describe what happens as “giving up”. I like to think if it as their signal to me that it’s time for me to let them go peacefully and without remorse. There are many more signs than simply being a picky eater though.
Have two old dogs. One lived to 14. Thought the other was close behind, could not deal with no dog. There is no better trainer of a puppy then a trained old dog to your ways. The old dog revived and is still with me. A great dane and 12 years. She struggles along and wants to see what new happens each day. She does hobble and is thin, but her eyes say not yet, I want to see what happens tomorrow.
Have added warm water to dry food for years now as helps digestion. Making gravy once a week. Supplements of vitamins. Metal mixing bowl will feet bucket opening to help not have to crouch due to arthritis. She teaches the now two pups since she could not keep up with one the ways of dogs. Yesterday one of the one year old pups brought her a hunted squirrel and that old dog ate it whole.
Will be giving her some extra oil for digestion. Give her meat sometimes. Looking at the thinness may increase protein since she ate an entire small squirrel. Surprised me!
Anyway, supplementing with human food, meat, EGGS, and meat drippings has extended her life.
She is getting a bath today since it is warm. The biggest factor though is a puppy. Her interest in life has kept her alive. She wants to see tomorrow.
Thanks for the idea of more protein. Do try the warm water in food and meat drippings, like bacon fat.
Thanks for taking the extra step when your senior dog started needing more of your time. Indeed older dogs are great teachers to young pups. In a way, they make puppy live easier for you and help the puppy to start life with positive experiences.
Hi my name is Gus I have a Yorkshire terrier that’s 20 years old, the poor dog will not eat anymore and it’s advice from my vet that we need to unfortunately put her down because she’s suffering I’ve tried everything different foods everything I’m just outbof options,I’m stressed out don’t sleep very good, she wakes me up to three times a night she wants to go Pee. Any advise, please help.
Hi Gus. I am not able to check my blog comments often in the summer because we are so busy. So I apologize for the delay. You left this comment a few months ago so you may have made your decision by now. Whatever that was, I hope you are at peace with it.
My 15 y/o Petey has stopped eating, and now, stopped drinking water too. The vet said that this is how death comes. Everything will just shut down. He has no health issues, but it is just his time. (Something we all need to be aware of happening with an old dog.) I asked the vet if I should euthanize him, and he said it wasn’t necessary since Petey will most likely pass away in his sleep. What you shouldn’t do is force a dying dog to eat. If your pet won’t eat, the worse thing you can do is force him to eat – especially when they are nearing the end of their life. Despite barely eating for days (except for a few licks of bottled baby food here and there) he is in no distress, and is sleeping most of the day and night away. I make sure to get him up to go to the bathroom, and despite being on his deathbed, he still wants to go for a walk every day, even if it’s only for a few feet at a snails pace before turning around and coming back home. My main point in all of this is to make people realize that no matter how much you love your animal, or anyone else for that matter, no one is immortal. Death comes for us all in the end.
Thank you for sharing your experience to help others Ana.
My Terrier mix turned 17 last week, she stopped eating the next day and has yet to start eating again. I’ve tried many things, boiled chicken breast (which she normally loves) her canned food with chicken broth and warmed up, scrambled eggs. She sniffs the food and then goes back to her bed and sleeps.
She still drinks water, but no food for 3 days, I fear she is coming to the end of her life.
I’m sorry to hear this Rod. It’s been a while since you commented so please let me know if you have any updates you want to share.
My 13-year-old silky terrier who is failing physically. I believe she has lost some teeth but is every bit the little terrorist terrier she ever was. She is really my spouse’s dog and she is more devoted to him. I am the one who bathes her and tries to keep her eyes open from the mucus that has begun to blind her but she will not let me put eye drops in her eyes. I’ve tried soft Purina burger packets but she seems to have trouble eating it and she really has problems with the dry food I’ve always fed her. Good to read what some of you guys have been doing. I just hope I can keep her around a while longer. I can’t bear to put down another dog.
The senior years with a pet can be a heartbreaking experience. I too hope you can find something to help keep her around.